Scarborough Market Hall

Putting traders and customers centre stage

Scarborough Council were looking to revitalise the original Victorian Market Hall, retaining the use of the grade two listed structure as a market and add new life and activity to the area through the investment in local independent business. The market had deteriorated through a lack of vision and investment. The two million pound project needed to repair the building fabric, add new space with the introduction of a mezzanine and improve accessibility with the inclusion of a lift and new level entrance.

Consultation with longstanding existing traders, customers and new start-ups led to a thorough understanding of the operational needs. The efficient design organises the space to put traders and customer’s centre-stage, fostering the sense of community and theatre that people love about markets. A flexible events space was introduced to allow for temporary trading, activities and entertainment, creating new opportunities for the building to reclaim its position at the heart of civic life in the town.

The dominant feature of the design is the existing Victorian robust structure. The new steel mezzanine sits politely within the walls of the hall, respectfully subservient. The mezzanine supports new timber retail units and dining area whilst concealing all of the services required for the perimeter food retailers below. New free standing ‘roofless’ timber gondolas enable the full extent of the hall to be appreciated and preserve the view of all of the traders and activity taking place in the market.

The design balances the £2M budget to deliver additional space, repair the existing and improve accessibility. A curatorial approach was adopted to determine where and how to spend the budget and establish a robust design that could be implemented with a design and build contractor in twelve months whilst keeping the existing market open to preserve continuity of trade.

Group Ginger

Group ginger is a practice of architects. Our name derives from the political term, a ginger group. Ginger groups work to identify alternative ideas for the benefit of their host. As such Group Ginger works with clients to identify opportunities which amplify development potential and celebrate activity.